What Types of Symptoms Can MS Patients Have?

By Elizabeth Stannard Gromisch HERWriter

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Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) have demyelination of the central nervous system; the myelin, which covers the axons of the neurons, becomes damaged due to inflammation. The damage to the myelin causes the signals sent from neuron to neuron to be slowed or blocked. The reason for the inflammation is not known, but theories of the cause of MS include exposure to a virus early in life or genetics. The Merck Manual Home Edition noted that around 5 percent of MS patients have a sibling with the disorder and around 15 percent of MS patients have a close relative with the disorder. Environment may also play a role in the onset of MS: the neurological condition is five times for likely in temperate climates, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

The symptoms of MS depend on the type of nerve fibers affected by the demyelination. For example, if a MS patient has demyelination of the nerve fibers that carry motor signals, then that patient can have issues with movement. Symptoms may include weakness in the limbs, muscle spasms, coordination problems and a loss of balance. Some MS patients may have problems walking or moving their arms and limbs. Other symptoms include tremors and stiffness.

The NINDS explained that the first symptoms that MS patients commonly experience are vision problems: about 55 percent of MS patients have optic neuritis, which is inflammation of the optic nerve, and around 15 percent of MS patients experience this issue as their first symptom. With optic neuritis, patients have symptoms usually in one eye, though both eyes may be affected. Symptoms include a loss of color vision, pain, vision loss and seeing flashing lights. MS patients may have uncoordinated eye movements or problems seeing straight ahead.

MS can also cause issues with mood and cognition. For example, patients may have mood swings, depression, memory loss, or attention problems. If the demyelination affects the nerve fibers that transmit sensory information, patients can experience with sensations. The Merck Manual Home Edition pointed out that before the disorder is diagnosed, patients may experience vague symptoms of demyelination, which include numbness, tingling, burning or pain in the face, legs, arms and trunk of the body.

Patients with MS may have problems with bowel and bladder function. For example, patients may suffer from urine or stool leakage. A strong urge or a frequent urge to urinate may occur. MS patients may also have sexual problems, such as difficulty reaching an orgasm. In female patients, decreased vaginal sensation and lubrication may occur; in male patients, impotence may be a problem. Other symptoms of MS can include dizziness, hearing loss and fatigue.

Certain factors can worsen the symptoms of MS. The NINDS noted that in 60 percent of patients, heat can exacerbate symptoms. Sources of heat include exercise, fevers, sun exposure and hot baths. Stress can also worsen symptoms, according to MedlinePlus.

References

NINDS: Multiple Sclerosis: Hope Through Research
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/multiple_sclerosis/detail_multiple_sclerosis.htm

MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Multiple Sclerosis
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000737.htm

Merck Manual Home Edition: Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/sec06/ch092/ch092b.html

MayoClinic.com: Optic Neuritis – Symptoms
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/optic-neuritis/DS00882/DSECTION=symptoms

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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.